They are doing a lot of business and doing it very effectively

The BBC's Matt McGrath

The BBC's Matt McGrath, in Salt Lake City, said there appeared to be between 150 and 200 UK touts in Utah, including up to 50 from Liverpool.

"There are very distinctive with their Liverpool accents," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"These guys are very adept, very sharp and know exactly what's what."

He said many had mobile phones and business cards to co-ordinate and promote their trade.

In Utah there is no law against "touting", or "scalping" as it is known in the United States.

Tolerance

There is even an official market exchange office where people can buy or sell unwanted tickets.

The BBC correspondent said the office was a prime site for the touts - with some following people inside and buying their tickets.

He said local police have said they would like to question some of the touts about trading without a business licence.

But he said they have been told to concentrate on their security duties.

The British touts are vying for business against their American counterparts in Salt Lake City.

Some local touts have expressed disappointment at the competition, others admiration for their harder approach.

But our correspondent says the US and UK touts are tolerating each other for the time being.